Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, better known as Dadasaheb Phalke, is one of the most respected personalities of Indian cinema, credited with creating the country's first feature-length film Raja Harishchandra. To honour him and his legacy, director Rajesh Mapuskar will be creating a 55-second video-tribute that will be played in multiplexes and theatres after the National Anthem.

Mapuskar was approached by minister Vinod Tawde to create awareness about Phalke, and he instantly agreed. Starring in the film is child actor Sunny Pawar.

The film tells the story of a young boy in Maharashtra who wonders about how the first film was made. "Some cosmic intervention happens and he is transported back in time to see Dadasaheb Phalke taking the first shot of Raja Harishchandra. The plan is to attach the video to the National Anthem when aired in cinemas across the state before a film begins," said Mapuskar to Mumbai Mirror.

The shooting for this video will happen in the first week of August in a village near Satara. Mapuskar explained that the character of the child required a certain innocence, and that Pawar fit the bill. The director watched his performance in Oscar-nominated film Lion, where he starred with Dev Patel, and appreciated it.

Rajesh Mapuskar received the Best Direction award at the 64th National Film Awards for Ventilator. One of his upcoming projects includes a musical produced by Ashutosh Gowariker.

The state also announced plans to promote Marathi films by making marketing strategies more effective. "The quality of Marathi films has improved in the last few years. Stakeholders have expressed the need for effective marketing to give them a boost. Along with the subsidy we extend to the films, we are also planning a scheme for their effective marketing," said Tawde, as quoted by Hindustan Times.